JJAMZ (pronounced juh-Jamz) is comprised of Jason Boesel (Rilo Kiley, Bright Eyes), James Valentine (Maroon 5), Alex Greenwald (Phantom Planet), Michael Runion (solo), and Z Berg (The Like) and is a musical story of five best friends. JJAMZ will release their debut album, Suicide Pact, on July 10 via Dangerbird.

Only friends as close as JJAMZ could provide such a rewarding synthesis of disparate musical tastes, coupled with perilously revealing lyrics; it's as if Rumours were recorded by My Bloody Valentine, Fiona Apple sang "Heart of Glass" or Andrew W.K. wrote Saturday Night Fever. This mix of accessibility and surprise stands as JJAMZ' greatest asset. In a collaboration which stems solely from the joy it brings and the refuge it provides, JJAMZ have created a record that needed to be written, and provides that same escape for anyone who listens.

The story of friends starting a band together is not entirely unfamiliar – in fact, most of us probably know someone who cites a similar beginning – but what is completely unique in this case is the brilliant collection this particular group has created. The combined talents of this unlikely collaboration yield an emotional, powerful listen that is utterly different, and completely its own.

Suicide Pact was self-produced by the band with the added talents of Jason Lader (Maroon 5, Rilo Kiley, Julian Casablancas). From the churning, he-said, she-said "LAX" and the wistfully dark album title track "Suicide Pact", to the driving, Madonna-esque "Heartbeat," and the crooning, smooth vocal pairings between Berg and Runion on "Cleverly Disguised," each and every song stands on its own as a heart-wrenching narrative and a master course in lyrical prowess. With a band made up of five of music's most innovative artists, one would expect nothing less. This band, this de facto family, has made a Suicide Pact. It also happens to be the name of their record.